1

Where has the year gone? An oft quoted phrase, but

very appropriate in the context of a Rotary Year.

All those plans so eagerly agreed upon back in May now

need to be reviewed to ensure that expectations are

realised. If we are to be a real gift to the world this

Rotary year we do not want to short change the

beneficiaries of those gifts.

The New Year got off to a great start with the wonderful

news that PDG Tony Monley had his considerable areas

of community service recognised by being named in the

New Year’s Honours Awards. Congratulations Tony!

So far this Rotary year there has been some significant

action in hosting community forums and events dealing

with issues of domestic violence, men’s health, and

mental health. There are other such projects in the

pipeline, we must deliver these vital programs.

Importantly we must follow up these events with

positive outcomes, be they support projects for the

victims of domestic or family violence or further

awareness projects.

It has been most heartening to see the large number

and range of projects undertaken by clubs utilizing

Rotary Foundation District Grants. These grants have

enabled a vast variety of needy folk to benefit from the

generosity of the Rotary family. Looking forward we

need to ensure that similar projects are able to be

funded from Foundation funds raised this year, so I

encourage all clubs, and individuals, to be generous in

their support of the Foundation. We must not forget the

importance of our continuing commitment to the End

Polio Now campaign. Remember, RI President Ravi has

said that polio eradication can be Rotary’s gift to the

children of the world. It is vital therefore that financial

support for this program is maintained.

You will all remember that one of my special areas of

focus this year is Interplast. I issued a challenge to clubs

and individuals within our District to make a special

effort to raise $45k to fully fund an Interplast Team to

enable that great organisation to carry out its most

wonderful work. Have a look at their website for an

indication of the good they are doing in the world.

They are certainly delivering their gifts to the world.

There is of course a plethora of worthy Rotary

programs and projects all competing for the scarce

dollars that clubs and individual Rotarians can

contribute. The work of ROMAC – Rotary Oceanic

Medical Aid for Children, is another fine example of

Rotary being a gift to the world. ROMAC has been very

busy within our District in recent months with two

patients under management and a third about to

arrive. This is another program worthy of support.

The New Year also brings with it one of the most

exciting events in the Rotary calendar: The District

Conference. This year, held in Shepparton from March

18th to 20th the program would suggest that it is an

event not to be missed. For those that have not

previously attended a District Conference, this is an

opportunity to share a fellowship weekend and

experience the broader picture of Rotary events.

(Continued on P 2)

2

District Governor’s report P 1-2

Australian Rotary Health P 2

Salute to the Late Stan Harper P 3

Indigenous Community Support P 4

DG’S Partner’s Project P 5

Rotarians against Malaria (RAM) P 5

New Club Members P 5

RC Rowville— Trash to Treasure P 6

Club Member Development P 7-9

Australia Day Award PDG Tony Monley P 9

District Conference Chairman’s Report P 10

DGE Carol Lawton reports on San Diego P 11

Kiriwina Aid Project P 11-20

I encourage all Rotarians and partners to attend. I also

remind you of the International Convention in Seoul

from May 28th to June 1st. International Conventions

are eye opening events.

District Governor Elect Carol Lawton has safely arrived

home from San Diego where she attended the

International Assembly, the final leg in her preparation

to be our District Governor in 2016-17. Inspired by the

theme, Rotary Serving Humanity, Carol will be

presenting a variety of training and preparation

programs relevant to 2016-17. These events are

crucial for those involved in leadership roles within

their clubs.

This Rotary Year still has lots to offer, so let’s continue

our commitment and Be a Gift to the World !

DAVID TOLSTRUP—DISTRICT GOVERNOR

Continued from P 1

Australian Rotary Health (ARH) celebrated the service

of hardworking individuals and Clubs at their Annual

General Meeting, held just before the Zone 8 Institute in

November. On behalf of ARH, thank you to all of our

friends and supporters.

There were a few highlights from 2015:

Our 200th Indigenous Doctor graduated

Over $1 million donated through Bequests

The most Mental Health Research Project Grants

funded in one year - 20 Grants

New PhD Scholarship celebrating the ANZAC

Centenary, for PTSD in veterans and families

New Board

New Director appointed to the ARH Board was PDG Des

Lawson of District 9630, who will replace PDG Russ

O’Malley of District 9600. Russ served wonderfully as

Vice Chairman 2014-2015 for which we thank him

greatly. PDG Greg Ross, District 9820, has taken the role

of Vice Chairman for the coming year.

ARH Medal

The ARH Medal for 2015 was awarded jointly to David

and Karen Brown. David & Karen Brown were an

integral part of the Great Australian Bike Ride (March-

October, 2009). Since then David and Karen have

remained involved in numerous bike rides – some

supporting ARH – and David is now holding a

committee membership in the District 9810 Ride to

Conference. The 2016 fundraising from this ride, will

reach $1 million in total donations since it started.

District Achievement Award

The Dick White District Achievement Award was

presented to District 9650. We acknowledged the

support of District 9650 Governors and, in particular,

their partners for naming ARH as the “Partner

Project” in each consecutive year from 2011/12 to

2015/16 and before that in 2008/2009 and

2006/2007.

The support from this fundraising has supported

multiple research and scholarship projects and has

made a significant contribution to donations not only

in the District but also in Australia.

PICTURED DAVID AND KAREN BROWN

3

The Rotary Community was saddened by the loss of

PP Stan Harper of the Rotary Club of Forest Hill on

the 29th November 2015.

Stan was a Rotarian… in the truest sense of the

word. He honored the badge for 39 years. He helped

many people without fuss. He was a meticulous

keeper of records but much more than that. His

warm heart and creative intellect was dedicated to

the essence of Rotary. He was the recipient of a Paul

Harris Fellowship and three sapphires, a committed

centurion and a benefactor. The latter means that

his contribution to the Rotary Foundation will

continue to aid people around the world after his

death.

Stan fulfilled with distinction many positions at the

Rotary Club of Forest Hill including being a much-

loved president in 1986/1987. Mentor of many of

us, alert to the needs of visitors and new members

he was Mr Reliable. He was active at the peach

orchard, the air show, the golf days, the fun runs, the

Blackburn market, Schwerkoldt Cottage and many

others-tirelessly working alongside others- a great

team player. Stan and his wife Joan generously

hosted exchange students including a student from

China.

A conscientious DG’s representative, a clear-thinking

secretary for a 1300 –strong district conference,

Stan the man endeared himself to many other clubs,

Rotarians and fellow –citizens. He served with

honour on District membership and Foundation

committees.

His delight was founding Probus clubs- no less than

12 clubs in the Whitehorse area. He thoroughly

deserved the nickname Mr Probus as he coordinated

the growth of this extremely valuable program

throughout the district.

He and Joan generously set up the Harper Family

bequest, which has been used to support community

service projects for

The young in sporting and education fields

Handicapped and disadvantaged people

The aged

Stan’s outstanding service to the local community

was recognized by the City of Whitehorse with a

Citizenship Award.

In celebration of his long and distinguished Rotary

career and his 90th birthday the Rotary Club of Forest

Hill enjoyed a delightful evening with Stan, Joan and

the family on 28 September.

One of nature’s gentlemen, he has left wife Joan, and

his family as well as so many Rotary friends with a

fountain of memories.

Stan Harper you have indeed been a gift to the world

and you have inspired many-we salute you.

Editor’s Note:

On any occasion that I met Stan he was always warm

and friendly.

When doing a make up at Forest Hill Stan would do

“hand stands” to get to you and make you feel so

welcome,

The Rotary Foundation is ranked in the Top 10

charities in the world.

The scores — ranked on a scale of 1 to 100 — are

based on financial health, accountability and the

transparency of reporting.

TRF is ranked at Number 5 in the world.

4

PP Liz Guiver and District 9810 have a mission to

support the Australian Indigenous Community.

Assistance is needed beyond what Governments can

provide. Their mission is to give financial assistance in

the form of scholarships for aboriginal students in the

academic and sporting fields. They also wish to guide

young aboriginals to be leaders of their community.

They will also give assistance to health service

organizations for aboriginal communities to sustain

good health care. The committee will be in contact

with Elders and Indigenous Workers and relevant

Government and Non-Government Agencies.

VICTORIAN PROJECTS FOR THE 2015 – 2016

ROTARY YEAR

1. Pathways to Womanhood

Worawa College is a boarding school for young

Aboriginal women, who come from regional and

remote communities.( Year 7 to 10,)

‘Pathways to Womanhood’ focuses on building a

culture of respect and making a healthy transition to

adulthood. The program involves nurturing self

esteem, pride in Aboriginal identity and the ability to

‘walk in both worlds’.

The program aims to prepare young women for future

leadership. The project cost is $10,000.

2. Melbourne Indigenous Transitional School’ (MITS)

The MITS campus is in Richmond and the project is to

develop a Residential Transitional School for talented

year 7 students from the Northern Territory.

With the help of Philanthropic Trusts construction has

commenced and the first group is due to commence in

February 2016. It is intended that 20 students will

participate each year and the following year will move

into ‘scholarship positions’ at Melbourne ‘Independent’

Schools. While having the ability to win a scholarship

the participants do need transitional support to bridge

the educational gap. Five schools in District 9810 are

partnering with this project.

The D9810 Australian Aboriginal Community

Support Committee encourages clubs to:

Recognize that every Aboriginal and Torres Strait

Islander person is connected to the land.

Tribal elders are respected and must be consulted

with in regard to decisions.

Health and Education are a major focus in enabling

Australian Aboriginals to achieve their goals and

assisting them to live longer.

Consider assisting indigenous young people by

providing them with the opportunity to participate

in Rotary’s Youth Service Programs such as Camp

Awakenings, ConocoPhillips Science Experience,

MUNA, NYSF, RYPEN, RYLA,4-Way Test Speech

Contest and YEP.

Consider assisting indigenous young people by

providing them with financial assistance to

participate in school programs such as camps and

excursions where family resources are inadequate.

The Australian Aboriginal Community Support

Committee is there to support clubs.

If you would like to attend a Committee Meeting, or

would like to discuss an issue or project, then contact

the committee Chair:

PP Liz Guiver at eliza.g@optusnet.com.au

5

Purnululu Independent Aboriginal Community School

– School and Community Garden

David and I have now completed what we found to be

a very rewarding experience, the official DG club

visits. I thoroughly enjoyed the opportunity of

meeting new Rotarians and partners and catching up

with many familiar faces. It was so interesting to see

such variety in club meetings and activities, yet each

working towards the same aim of Rotary service, and

all offering us a very warm welcome.

These visits have traditionally become the occasion

for clubs to donate to the DG Partner Project in lieu of

a gift recognising the Partner’s attendance. Every club

made such a donation, and I thank you all again for

your contributions which together with some

personal donations, totals approx. $20,000 so far!

This very grand amount has allowed me to commit

$15,000 to fund the part time worker at the

Purnululu School Community Garden. Further

wonderful support has come from the Lindsay

Cousens Trust. Trustee Michael Jacobs, R.C. Boronia,

and his wife Julie have committed the Trust to

continue the funding of the part time garden worker

for the 2nd year, and I thank them for this great

decision. The school is waiting until the wet season

passes before starting the garden, hopefully in April.

This leaves the balance collected to go to the Feed the

Little Kids training program in Broome where the

training package and pilot program for 5 to 7 children

has now been fully funded, and ready to go as soon as

the training package has been finalised. Our

contributions will go to the ongoing costs of this

training.

On behalf of all of the children who will benefit from

our donations, I thank you most sincerely.

I look forward to seeing you again as we move around

the District,

Alison

Membership’s two main factors are retention and new

members.

All clubs will lose members by various means:

1. Death

2. Illness

3. Relocation

4. Loss of interest and desire

Clubs are powerless to control 1, 2 and 3, however 4

Loss of interest and desire is something that clubs can

monitor and take action to minimize it from happening.

A good and effective board and club officials will be

watching their members closely to ensure that boredom,

lack of involvement and all the factors that underline a

loss of interest and desire are monitored closely.

When clubs start losing members it is easy for that trend

to permeate the club and what starts out as an isolated

incident can become a major destructive force.

Perusal of our district’s membership data over the last

10 years will disclose that some clubs that had 50 plus

members 10 years ago only have 20 – 25 members

today.

On the other hand there are some success stories where

clubs that held 10 or 12 members 10 years ago, today

have 25 or thereabouts.

On page 7 of this issue President David Winter of the RC

Mont Albert and Surrey Hills has submitted an excellent

article on how to address some of these issues.

Rotarians Against Malaria is a program dedicated to

the fight against Malaria, one of the major health

threats in the world today.

With more than 500 million infected with the parasite,

2 to 3 million people die of the disease each year.

RAM’s current programs are focused on the Pacific

region, particularly the Solomon Islands, Papua-New

Guinea and Timor Leste.

District clubs are encouraged to consider supporting

RAM.

Interested cubs should contact RAM’s Chair:

Contact PP Gloria Hargreaves at:

egharg@netspace.net.au or Tel: 0419 140 090

6

The Rotary Club of Wheelers Hill has recently inducted a new member, Amin Rahman. Besides becoming an

active member of the Club he also brings with him a a Project of his own.

Amin is interested in collecting your old computers, laptops and printers - items you no longer need (trash)

where he takes them to Bangladesh, and donated to poor and needy students there who treat them as

treasure..

Items that have proved to be very popular and helpful to these students in Bangladesh are computing

equipment desktops, laptops, printers and monitors etc. It started when Zobeda and I carried the laptops as

part of our luggage. The present Rotary Governor in Dhaka District heard about his project and approached

him to donate one laptop to a brilliant medical student who was the son of a poor barber in a rural area.

Recently, Amin’s dental clinic in Mulgrave donated all their old desk top computers plus other accessories to

this project.

“I am organising to send them all together by sea freight. Another friend of ours is packing them for shipment

in his warehouse. So, when you are considering updating your home or work I.T equipment - please think of

this project. They can be in working or non-working order. I am happy to take them and find loving homes

for them”. Amin said.

Non-working laptops are repaired by a large computer store in Dhaka free of charge for this

project. Amin said he only pays for the cost of replacement parts, when needed.

Amin can collect your donated equipment from your place at a convenient time.

Anyone interested in assisting can contact Amin at:

aminrahman43@gmail.com

7

President David Winter of the Rotary Club of Mont

Albert and Surrey Hills has forward some very

interesting and educational material, which has

recently appeared in Club Runner.

Rotary fundraising and volunteering.

Do you have volunteer fatigue in your club?

Did you ever notice that the same people seem to

volunteer for things, over and over again? Or that

another and larger group of people only volunteer

when they really have no choice? This isn't an illusion,

it's a growing issue. There's a popular belief that in

any given organization, 80% of the work is done by

20% of the people.

How do we recognize volunteer fatigue?

A member might suddenly become cynical, question

roles and duties or their work becomes sloppy. Once

this problem is recognized what can we do to

eliminate it?

1. Appreciate them - acknowledge the work of your

volunteers in a concrete way. Presentations of a

certificate, a donation to a charity or Rotary project in

their name would show appreciation. Clubs could

express appreciation for all your volunteers at a

special dinner or outing, and be sure to thank them

publicly.

2. Give them a break. If one of your helpers is

experiencing volunteer burnout, suggest a

volunteering vacation. Offer them a few weeks or a

few months, whatever is needed. It’s better to lose

their services for a short time and get them back

refreshed and recharged, than to lose their help

permanently.

3. Delegate and Spread the Load. Most

organizations have an untapped well of volunteers. To

take some of the load off your volunteer workhorses,

invite others to take on specific tasks that would

otherwise fall automatically to your old standbys.

One way to help delegate volunteer tasks on an

ongoing basis is through the creation of an ongoing

volunteer signup 'event'. Simply create an event that

lasts for a given period of time and call it something

like "Ongoing Volunteer Tasks".

There are many small changes we can make to further

support Rotary and their projects. One of these

changes would be for us to deal with the problem of

volunteer fatigue.

http://site.clubrunner.ca/page/too-tired-to-care

.

Why do we volunteer?

We volunteer for many reasons

Firstly we identify our goal clearly.

(Continued on P 8)

8

The biggest obstacles preventing a club from reaching

their goals are neither budget nor a lack of manpower

says Divya Tandan She identifies the problem as their

mindset and way of thinking. Many club members saw

themselves simply as volunteers and part-timers and

believed that success was merely a matter of more time

and resources.

She believes we could make more of an impact by

adopting strategic business elements and embrace the

mantra, ‘think like a business’.

Issues facing your business are:

How do we grow our membership?

How do we get the most results from a limited

number of volunteers?

How do we deal with demotivated members and

retain them?

How do we boost our image in the community and

extend our reach?

How do we prioritize our strategies to reach our

goals?

How do we get youth involved in our projects?

Think like a business. People demand to have their

wants and needs met, regardless of whether you’re a

non-profit or a for-profit organization.

Companies are happy to meet demands because they

value their customers. Similarly, for non-profit

organizations, your members, prospects and contacts

all have certain wants and you have to not only

recognize that demand but strive to meet it.

So, what do you do?

1. Value time over process.

Most, if not all, non-profit organizations rely heavily on

volunteers and unpaid members to succeed. People

have good intentions, but it must be easy and gratifying

to get involved. Make sure they have the tools or the

training to make the most of their precious time.

Volunteers want a good return (feel good) on their

investment (time). If they feel their time is being

wasted, they are discouraged and may not come

back.Just like a business, the onus is on you to bring

forth improvements – not the volunteer. After all, time

is money. And your currency is the motivation and

enthusiasm of your volunteers.

2. Public relations is not a newsletter.

It is community.

Public relations is a vital part of a non-profit’s goals,

whether it is for branding, fundraising or membership

recruitment. It is imperative to maintain a positive

image in your community. This leads to more people

knowing about you, and that results in more people

who want to associate themselves with you, whether it

is through membership, volunteering, or donating

money.

In this day and age, the first source of information for

people is your website. This is not enough, but it is a

start. The biggest problem for small organizations is

failing to capture the interest of their visitors

immediately. People expect more than generic

content. You must engage with them.

Your community wants to support those who are

making a difference, but you must first gain their

attention and then gain their trust. Your public

relations toolkit is a smart assembly of the right

content, over the right channels. The power of regular

‘touches’ to engage with your prospects, contacts and

members is a cost-effective way to maintain a healthy

relationship with them and to stay top of mind.

Continued from P 7

Continued P 9

9

3. Take roles & responsibilities seriously.

Businesses value the power of a dedicated sales team

or account managers to communicate with clients and

visitors. Imagine you wanted to buy a car and the

manufacturer put you in touch with the welder - that

probably would not make the sale! Businesses rely on

their sales team to build relationships, make sales and

promote its products. Similarly, non-profits need to

appoint dedicated members who act as

representatives to "sell" your vision. If you were in

an elevator and had only 30 seconds to describe your

organization, think about what you would say. I often

ask people I meet for their 30 second "pitch" and it's

quite funny how often it catches people off guard. This

is why it is important for each and every member in

your organization to know your organization's

mission and how to articulate it in a concise and

exciting way.

4. Eliminate excuses

You do not have to spend a lot of money to promote

your organization effectively nor do you need a big

budget to reach your goals. You need a constant

commitment to stay focused and on course all while

adapting smartly in a nimble and agile way that fits

with the culture of your non-profit.

What you need to do is simple – think like a business.

Divya Tandan

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/20140627221927-

76937503-run-your-non-profit-as-a-business-not-a-

hobby?trk=nmp_rec_act_article_detail

Continued from P 8

PDG Tony Monley was awarded with a Medal of the

Order of Australia General Division in the Australia Day

Honors List.

The award was granted for service to the community

through a range of organisations including:

Rotary International:

District Governor, District 9810, 2014-2015; Assistant

Governor, 2011-2013;

Club Vision Coordinator, 2008-2010; Conference

Secretary, 2008-2010;

Foundation Scholarships Committee; Foundation Group

Study Exchange

President, Rotary Club Templestowe, 2010-2011;

Member of Rotary Club of Templestowe, since 1995.

Home Host, 11 students, Youth Exchange, ‘for many

years’.

Member, Rotary Foundation Alumni.

Member, Rotary e-Club 3310 (Singapore), 2006-2007.

Team Leader, Group Study Exchange, Turkey, 2010;

Team member Italy 1989.

Club President and District Treasurer, Rotaract Perth;

Member, 1976-1985.

Apex Australia:

State Treasurer, Apex Western Australia.

Secretary/Treasurer, National Convention Committee,

1990 and Member, 1985-1994.

Other:

President and Chairman, Doncare Community Services,

since 2008.

Treasurer, Eastern Community Legal Centre, since

2008.

Director, Art Building Children's Dreams Australia,

since 2009; Treasurer, 2009-2013;

Public Officer, 2009-2013.

Member, Arts Advisory Panel, Arts Victoria, 2012-14.

Ambassador, White Ribbon Foundation, since 2013.

Non-Executive Director, South East Housing

Cooperative, 2003-2005.

Non-Executive Director, North Melbourne Institute of

TAFE, 2011-2014.

Awards and recognition include:

Recipient, Citizen of the Year, City of Manningham 2015.

Recipient, Menzies Community Australia Day Award,

2011.

Fellow, CPA Australia, 1994.

Recipient, Youth Leadership Award, Rotary

International, 1976

10

The Welcome signs will shortly be erected in

Shepparton in anticipation of the “Heart of the

Goulburn Valley” greeting the Rotarians and Partners

of District 9810 to our 2016 District Conference

between 18th and 20th March.

The Organising Committee report that all

arrangements for the Conference are well advanced

with an interesting, informative and entertaining

array of Guest Speakers and Presenters.

With our Conference Theme “Power of the Past –

Force of the Future” we are looking forward to

hearing from such well-known and prominent Guest

Speakers including Paul Sheahan, Caroline

Overington, Brendon Nottle, Kate Carnell, Janine

Mahoney, Mariam Issa and Wayne Leslie.

It will be interesting to hear from Professor Gordon

Wallace who will explain and demonstrate the latest

advances in 3D printing whilst it will be a pleasure to

welcome back to our Conference Gemma Sisia from

the School of St Jude in Tanzania who will be

accompanied by one of the schools’ first graduates,

Dorice Livingstone-Abel.

Terry Grant, Past Chairman of Australian Rotary

Health will be on hand to welcome the “Ride for

Rotary Dollars” cyclists who, this year, will achieve the

outstanding total of $1 million raised for ARH and we

expect the message from Rotary International

President Nominee Ian Risely to be inspiring.

We will also hear from Gordon Coote on the history of

the Australian National Piano Award with the current

ANPA Winner, Alex Raineri, giving a short recital

during the Opening Session.

The Saturday Night Gala features the theme, “My

Favourite television Show” and, from what we have

already heard, there will be some amazing outfits on

display by some District 9810 clubs during the Gala.

Registration Forms for the 2016 Shepparton

Conference are available from the Conference

website, http://www.9810rotaryconference.org.au/

and registration can either be completed on-line or

completed and posted to the Registration

Coordinator, Tim Lynn, at the Rotary Club of Box Hill,

PO Box 59, Box Hill 3128.

The Conference Committee is also inviting all clubs in

the District to submit details of Club Members who

may have passed away since the 2015 Conference

which will then be incorporated into the “In

Memoriam” segment at the forthcoming Shepparton

Conference.

Relevant details for inclusion in the Segment, together

with a photograph, can be submitted to Conference

Committee Member, Lynn Whelan, at

lynnwhelanevents@hotmail.com

Further enquiries concerning Conference

arrangements can be addressed to Conference

Chairman, Robert Leach, at jenandrob@bigpond.com

or on 0439 938 833.

11

District Governor Elect Carol Lawton has just returned

from her final training Session in San Diego.

I asked Carol if she could tell us a little of her

experience and she has gladly responded with her

story which is below.

The 2016 International Assembly (17 – 22nd January)

was held at the Manchester Hyatt Hotel overlooking

the San Diego harbour.

This was the final training (or Learning and

Development) session for the 2016-17 Governors

from the more than 500 districts around the world

and it’s something of an understatement to say that

it was an amazing experience.

It’s hard to do justice to an event that was organised

with almost military precision and impressive

attention to detail. The process of being able to feed

in my estimation of 1100-1200 people present in 60

– 90 minutes had to be seen to be believed.

I really enjoyed meeting other Rotarians and their

partners from around the world and being reminded

of just how much we have in common.

I admit that hearing partners being referred to as

‘spouses’ took some getting used to. As others before

me have said, in San Diego there was a great sense of

the ‘internationality’ of Rotary – having so many of

us all in the one hotel really reinforced that

impression quite dramatically.

Our opening session began on the evening of Sunday

17th but we had to wait for the launch of the theme

for 2016-17 “Rotary Serving Humanity” until

Monday morning. As you can imagine, the response

to that announcement was very enthusiastic – it

connects with all the themes of the past and

particularly with ‘Service above Self’.

The days were full of inspirational speakers and

great ideas for us to share with our districts which

we heard about in General Sessions.

Some of my favourite sessions followed the General

Sessions and were called “Ideas Exchange” where we

had the opportunity to work in different groups of 20

people sharing ideas and experiences – that was

absolutely invaluable and a very exciting opportunity

to meet and work with inspirational people.

Another highlight was hearing that the experts believe

we will see the last case of Polio in June this year and I

really do hope their prediction is correct. That

doesn’t mean we can forget about Polio, in fact we

need to ensure that we raise sufficient funds in order

that we can keep up the immunisation programs for a

further three years after that last case is declared.

We are getting closer every day and President Elect

John Germ is absolutely passionate that we get this

done once and for ever.

As ever, there was exceptional support from, and

discussions about possibilities, with Australian and

New Zealand colleagues. Their presence enriched the

experience in so many ways because it was like

catching up with favourite family members.

I also really enjoyed hearing more from our Rotary

International leaders about a range of topics and

seeing their passions shine through their words.

I believe that it was the most humbling privilege to be

present with such a group and I will treasure,

remember and be inspired by the experience for many

years to come. I’m looking forward to working with

you all in the 2016-17 Rotary year.

The Rotary Club of Rowville – Lysterfield has an

excellent Project called the Kiriwina Aid Project.

This project addresses issues relating to water and

sanitation on the Island of Kiriwina - Papua New

Guinea (District 9600). The project concentrates on

the Local School and Hospital. Full details of this

project in the attached document.

The RC Rowville – Lysterfied would welcome support

and assistance in this very worthwhile Project which

is just off the coast of Northern Australia. For further

information contact Alan Lunghusen at:

alan@lunghusen.com

Kiriwina Aid Project

Contents

International Club Committee

Host Club Committee

Community Needs

Island of Kiriwina—Background Information

Community Needs Assessment

Rotary Areas of Focus

Water and Sanitation

Supporting Education

Growing Local Economies

Community Support for the Project

Kiriwina Hospital

Background

Rotary Project—Water and Sanitation

Rotary project—Hospital Beds

Kiabola Beach Primary School

Background

Rotary Project—Water and Sanitation

Rotary project—Supporting Education and Growing Local Communities

Project Budget and Financing

Kiriwina Aid Project

International Club Committee The Rotary Club of Rowville – Lysterfield (District 9810)

Alan Lunghusen (Primary Contact) email: alan@lunghusen.com mobile: 0488 033 133

Neil White – International Chair - PP

Murray Wilson - PP

Host Club Committee The Boroko Rotary Club of Papua New Guinea (District 9600)

John Sweet (Primary Contact) - IPP

Lionel Melville – PP, ADG

Graeme Hills – President 2015-16

Togaro Asiba – President Elect 2016-17

Community Needs

The Island of Kiriwina – Background Information

Kiriwina Island, part of the Trobriand Island Group lays off the east coast of Papua New Guinea in Milne Bay Pro-

vence. There were American and Australian air force bases on the island during WWII. This was probably the first

time many of the natives had contact with the western world. Kiriwina Island is composed of ancient coral

pushed up from the sea bed over millions of years. Topsoil has then accumulated on the coral base and vegeta-

tion has establish. The island is very flat with no mountains or rivers. Fresh water accumulates in caves within the

coral and in the water table accessed by wells from 3 – 8 meters in depth. The island population is estimated at

26,000. The inhabitants live mainly in approximately 80 villages spread across the island and some live in the

Government Station, Lousia. Individuals or villages cultivate their own gardens where they grow Yams, Sweet

Potato, Taro, Small Tomatoes, Bananas, Pineapples and Pawpaw. Their main source of protein is fish. Many of

the population live almost in Stone Age conditions. There is a medical compound in the Government Station

area and there are some Elementary, Primary and a single Secondary School. Education is not compulsory but

many of the people see it as vital to their future. The Trobriand Islanders have their own language but English is

spoken in school.

Community Needs Assessment

A Community Needs Assessment was carried out in March 2015. The Assessment was based on the possibility of

our Rotary Club being able to improve the conditions on the island without interfering with their way of life. It

was decided that due to the wide range of challenges over the whole island especially regarding water and sani-

tation a more centralized Aid Program would achieve realistic goals. The Hospital and Primary School were iden-

tified as manageable projects for this Aid Program.

Kiriwina Aid Project

Rotary Areas of Focus

Water and Sanitation.

Open defecation is practiced across the island. There are a few septic tank systems but many of them have failed

due to the lack of flushing water and have fallen into disrepair. Drinking water is available from three sources.

Rainwater tanks, wells and caves within the coral substrata. It is the women who mainly gather water and carry it

to their village on their heads. The water is limited and of reasonable quality however Westerners are advised to

boil all drinking water. The Primary School at Kiabola Beach and the Hospital at Lousia were selected as targets

for our Aid Program.

Supporting Education

Most of the classrooms at the primary school had no desks and children were required to sit on the floor and

write in their books on the floor. School desks were obviously needed to make the children more comfortable

and be placed in a better learning environment. An opportunity to ship books for the school library will be taken

when shipping goods to the island.

Growing Local Economies

Industry on the island is almost non-existent. The capability of the locals to get access to hard cash to buy goods

such as rice and sugar is only possible when a cruise ship may arrive for a 6 hour visit. This happens about 10

times per year. As part of the Primary School Desk Project, instead of shipping our discarded desks to the island

it has been decided to set up a Woodworking Workshop at the rear of the Primary School to create a small busi-

ness. Two locals have been selected to start this project. One is a Good People Manager who is very good with

his hands and the other is a Scholarship Recipient who has not had the opportunity to put into action what he has

learnt in a basic carpentry course since he returned from the mainland.

Hon Douglas Tomuriesa MP Minister for Forests Government of Papua New Guinea Mobile: (+675) 7137 6691 Email: dtomuriesa@pngfa.gov.pg

Dr Giyodobu “Gee” Tosiyeru Medical Doctor Trobrian Island Group Mobile: (+675) 7341 5408 Email: lokuialodge@gmail.com

Mr Ridley Mwaisiga District Health manager Kiriwina – Goodenough District

Mr Steven Kas Environmental Health Officer Kiriwina – Goodenough District Mobile: (+675) 7209 2911

Fiona Head Mistress Kiabola Beach Primary School

Tom Mowana Chairman of School Council Kiabola Beach Primary School Mobile: (+675) 7307 7630

Mr Mark Sailoia District Administrator Trobriand Island Group Mobile: (+675) 7103 3438

Community Support for the Project

Community Support for the project extends from a Minister of Parliament down to the local population. A couple

of small projects have been completed while we were investigating the requirements for this Major Project. They

were the supply of a Medical Microscope for the Hospital and a Solar Power Supply for the computer and printer

at the school. The locals were very enthusiastic to get involved to the extent that they did all of the labor to

mount the solar panels using power tools for the first time.

Kiriwina Hospital

Water and Sanitation Needs

Background

The Hospital is one of number of buildings in the Medical Compound. Other buildings include Administration,

Outpatients, Dispensary, TB Ward and Kitchen. The hospital has no mains electrical power and has recently

had Solar Power lighting installed. There are three existing sinks in Utility and Birthing Rooms with only one

operational. There are two Western style toilets that are not usable due to lack of water for flushing. The

Wards have no washing facilities at all. The doctor has requested that we install a total of five wash basins in

the four Wards. This will give nursing staff and patients the ability to wash equipment and the patients them-

selves.

Rotary Project

The water tank is connected to the town water which is pumped on request to replenish the water level in the

tank. We will install water pipes from the water tank outlet pipe which will run to the main hospital building.

A SkyHydrant filter will be installed on the side of the hospital building. We will install a wash basin in each

ward to provide basic washing facilities for the nurses and patients. We will also repair the existing plumbing

which is connected to sinks in utility rooms but are not functioning at the moment.

Existing Water Tank

Existing 50mm Polyethylene

Blue Stripe Pipe

New SkyHydrant Water Filter

New Water and Waste Pipes

Existing Septic Tank

Hospital Building

Fig 1. Hospital Compound

Kiriwina Hospital

Hospital Beds and Mattresses.

Background

There are four wards in the Hospital building. The Adult Ward the Children’s Ward, the Antenatal Ward

and the Post Natal ward. The Hospital currently has old iron or wooden beds, most without mattresses.

Rotary Project

We will be transporting hospital beds and mattresses already procured by The Marsh Foundation, the on-

ly cost will be transportation. 46 Hospital beds currently at the Reservoir Private Hospital have been

sourced for this operation. These beds are not electric (There is no 240 volt electricity at the hospital) and

have manual winders to raise and lower the beds and bed heads.

Fig 2. One of four Hospital Wards Fig 3. Proposed Hospital beds

The Kiabola Beach Primary School

Primary School Toilets.

Background

The Primary School has ten pit toilets in poor repair and provide very poor sanitary conditions. When I asked the

Headmaster “What is your main issue at the school?” he replied very quickly “SANITATION”

Rotary Project

We will install three Composting Toilets with two toilet bowls in each (Approved by Australian Health Authori-

ties). These toilets operate with a fan operated by wind power and another by Solar Power. The locals on the

island will be employed to build the huts housing the toilet systems. This will provide employment for the is-

land, enable them to maintain the structures and will be familiar to them rather that introduce them to a west-

ern style building. We will supply hand water pumps to two existing Water Wells to enable pupils to wash their

hands after going to the toilet. We will add one additional Rain Water Tank and spouting on a school building in

order to increase the amount of rain water available for drinking.

School

Class Rooms

Existing Rain Water Tank

Teachers Homes (7)

Existing Pit Toilets

Existing Well (3 Meters Deep)

Fig 4. Kiabola Beach Primary School

Fig 5. Existing Pit Toilet Fig 6. Inside of Pit Toilet

Fig 7. Composting Toilet Base Fig 8. How it Works

Fig 9. Basic diagram of pan Placement

Primary School Toilets

The compost from the new toilets can be used to fertilise the gardens.

School Desks for the primary school – more than just supplying desks

Background

The school children currently sit on the floor in most of the classrooms. The locals have attempted to build

school desks using a local design but due to the poor materials used and lack of proper woodworking tools, the

desks are expected to last only a year or so.

Rotary Project

We will provide tools and materials and assist the locals to build their own school desks. We will use the design

of desk that they prefer. This will generate employment on the island and establish a sense of ownership. A site

has been selected to build a large hut as a Woodworking Workshop. The locals will build the hut. Rotary will

supply a range of tools including hand tools, battery powered power tools and a larger compound saw with a

generator and Materials. A Solar Power supply will be installed to charge the battery operated tools. An exam-

ple desk has been built here in Melbourne to determine the materials required. We will create a small business

for the locals to develop and supply desks to schools on surrounding islands after they complete the desks for

the primary school.

A local has completed a PNG Government scholarship that involved sending him to Port Moresby and attending

a Basic Carpentry Course of 20 weeks. Now he has returned to his Village with few hand tools and is unable to

use the knowledge he has gained without our help.

Fig 10. Classroom Fig 11. Rotary School Desk